But the heaviest number of all is the number one. It only takes one storm to do damage, and that’s what opening day of French Quarter Fest Thursday is up against.

“The tents go up, the electricity goes in, some plumbing goes in, and, so literally, it's like a really neat little city,” said French Quarter Fest Executive Director Marci Schramm. “People will be out here for four days cooking and eating and enjoying. It's a great time for locals to rediscover the French Quarter."

While the final screws are being tightening and the last beams being put into place, Schramm is making weather safety preparedness decisions with a storm system on the way.

“Keep in mind for Thursday that some of these storms could be strong to severe, we're talking wind gusts of 58-plus mph, hail the size of a quarter, rainfall between 1 and 3 inches, lightning, and even a possible tornado,” Schramm said.

Keeping attendees aware is the goal.

“The communication plan is we basically announce things from the stages,” Schramm said. “So there will be active communication from all the stages. And the nice thing with this being a living, breathing neighborhood, if it's raining, the bars and restaurants are going to do really, really well."

Cancelling the festival is not on the agenda.

“Our plan is that the show must go on, but our plan is that we might stop it for as long as we need to stop it, and, then as fast as we can, get it right back up and running and keep the party going for the weekend,” said Schramm.

So preparedness is key, because Thursday’s “Locals’ Lagniappe Day” just might deliver that little something extra.

Weekend forecast:

The French Quarter could be little soggy for the 30th Anniversary of French Quarter Festival. While planners are hoping for a great opening day, Thursday's Locals' Lagniappe Celebration may involve strong-to-severe storms.

A potent storm system working through the central U.S. will bring impacts to southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast starting late Wednesday night. As the cold front gets closer Thursday morning and into early Thursday afternoon, the threat for severe weather will increase.

The main threats with these storms will be 58-plus mph straight-line wind gusts, lightning, quarter-sized hail, and isolated heavy downpours, which could result in 2 to 3 inches of rain. A tornado or two is possible. Festivalgoers are urged to stay weather-aware throughout the day.

Quieter and drier weather will follow into late Thursday evening. Friday and Saturday will feature mostly sunny skies. The chance for storms returns Sunday.

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